Bermudians know that Cup Match is the most opportune time to put your most fashionable foot forward.

Some plan weeks ahead, ordering their holiday outfits from retail outlets overseas. Diane Whittaker is urging people to explore what stylish clothing options are available right on these shores.

The former model will host a Pre Cup Match Fashion Show in the Upper Level of the Washington Mall tomorrow at 1pm.

This is the third time she has organised the show — and it seems to keep getting bigger and better each time.

“We held a fashion show last year before Cup Match and it went really well. Then we did another show in April for Easter and that went even better,” said Ms Whittaker, executive director of the International Modelling Academy of Bermuda.

“There were more people who came out and people were starting to realise there was something special going on and made an effort to come into the mall and shop or watch the fashion show.”

The event is being done in partnership with mall retailers Frangipani, Jazzy’s Boutique, Cooper’s Express, Pirates Port, Sail On and Headway Hair and Body.

It serves to inspire residents by showing them some of the hottest trends for summer 2014, and also promotes the idea of ‘buying Bermuda’.

Ms Whittaker said: “These local retailers struggle because so many people choose to shop online, but if these shops were to close there wouldn’t be a mall.

“There would be no stores open or people buzzing through here on a rainy day. I am trying to help these stores stay alive and also give my models some experience in shows.”

Ms Whittaker started modelling at age 11. She went on to study at various fashion colleges and attended two modelling academies, before finding work in the fashion world as a buyer, seller, displayer and model.

She gradually put her own programme together based on the extensive training she had gone through, to found IMA.

The programme looks to equip young models with the right tools and information so they can thrive in the business.

Models from age four to 25 are taking part in the show, including Miss Bermuda 2013 Katherine Arnfield.

Ms Whittaker believes the show will be a worthy way to spend a Saturday afternoon. She said it would be a “fast and upbeat” show and promised lots of fun.

“We will have cricket bats and flags and lots of Cup Match team colours,” she explained. “We plan to make this an exciting event for people to come to with their whole family. They can come out for lunch first and then enjoy the show.

“Right after that international reggae artists Luciano and Tarrus Riley will be in the mall to sign autographs, so we encourage people to come early to get a good spot.”